When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
ConvertiblesDiscussed here are problems and solutions to convertible specific questions, including difficult to find part numbers and other convertible tech help.
This is my 5th third gen but the priors have all been camaros and none were convertibles. Priors include a '90 RS 5.0/5-speed back in '95 when I was 19, later a highly modified '91 1LE that was totalled in an accident in '02, an '82 Z28 hardtop and most recently, an '87 Iroc that turned out to be way more of a project than I had imagined. After numerous issues with the Iroc, I decided to part ways with it (literally) after finding my current '91 Firebird convertible on here about a month ago. With just under 51K original miles, I figured this was a much better starting point to slowly build up to my liking.
Despite it's pitfalls, the Iroc did have fairly new Hotchkis suspension components (full rear setup and f&r springs), Koni struts and C5 front brakes, all of which have been saved to be transfered over to the 'bird. Also being swapped over is the T-56 I had installed along with my 17.9.5 Racestars (already on).
Mods to the 'bird consist of Hooker coated non-emmissions headers, Smog pump delete, new Flowmaster cat back and cat delete. Prior owner did have AC/Heat removed with intentions of installing an AC delete panel but never completed the project. I have most pieces with exception of the lines & AC box (original was cracked when removed) and plan to reinstall over the winter. Fortunately, no wiring was cut so all connections are still there. He also put on a Bandit II scoop and early 82-84 Trans Am taillights, neither of which I totally mind, however, would like to eventually install a set of 91-2 GTA tails and a different hood.
Anyway, here are some pics I took the other day. I did get to drive it to work twice last week, although I haven't really enjoyed it with the top down yet...looking like that may have to wait until spring at this point!
Re: Long time thirdgen'r, Convertible/Firebird Newbie
A friend of mine Got a set of calipers from a 1995 Z28, they were the same as the 3rd gen discs 11.5" used. Then he got the backing plates from Hawks third-gen and installed them... He had something like $300 invested by the time he got done buying new rotors, pads the calipers and the adapter plate.
Re: Long time thirdgen'r, Convertible/Firebird Newbie
Originally Posted by okfoz
A friend of mine Got a set of calipers from a 1995 Z28, they were the same as the 3rd gen discs 11.5" used. Then he got the backing plates from Hawks third-gen and installed them... He had something like $300 invested by the time he got done buying new rotors, pads the calipers and the adapter plate.
I like the LS1's b/c of the parking brake shoes and slightly larger (12") diameter. They pop up fairly often, I'm guessing I could do the rears for under $3-400 easily.
Originally Posted by abray1
Great car, nothing like a vert but the first thing they need is subframe connectors.
Yes, those are next on the list. Plan to get the Alstons & BMRs at the same time. All that I've installed thus far were parts off my last Iroc project that I recently parted out. I also just scored an LT1 style Ram Air hood for $100. Has some damage to front right corner but my buddy works at a body shop and said they'll fix it for me on the side as time allows. Plan is to get the frame connectors, T56 and hopefully hood all installed over there one weekend this spring after the snow is gone. I have a few months at least.
Re: Long time thirdgen'r, Convertible/Firebird Newbie
Couple pics of the hood...have been looking for one since I picked up the car. I like it much more than the more popular LS1 style. I feel this one just flows much better and has much cleaner lines...
Re: Long time thirdgen'r, Convertible/Firebird Newbie
Originally Posted by 86T/A_Ram_Air
I know someone who has a BRAND NEW set of GTA tail lights still in the boxes from when GM discontinued them....BIG money though
its a sharp looking car. good luck with her
Yeah, can't justify the prices people want for them, as nice looking as they are. Actually just got a nice set of regular 91 firebird tails to replace what's there now.
Re: Long time thirdgen'r, Convertible/Firebird Newbie
Originally Posted by Ed1LE
Yeah, can't justify the prices people want for them, as nice looking as they are. Actually just got a nice set of regular 91 firebird tails to replace what's there now.
They were expensive back then. There wasn't that many to begin with and when you find a used set they are usually damaged
Re: Long time thirdgen'r, Convertible/Firebird Newbie
Originally Posted by 86T/A_Ram_Air
They were expensive back then. There wasn't that many to begin with and when you find a used set they are usually damaged
True, was actually thinking of what people are asking for ones with cracks and/or delamination...I think I saw a new set listed not to long ago for $650?
Re: Long time thirdgen'r, Convertible/Firebird Newbie
Originally Posted by Ed1LE
True, was actually thinking of what people are asking for ones with cracks and/or delamination...I think I saw a new set listed not to long ago for $650?
something brand new in the box it probably closer to the 1200 range or more. they have been selling used in decent shape in the 500-700 range for quite sometime. they are just so desirable...if mine ever get cracked I might cry
Re: Long time thirdgen'r, Convertible/Firebird Newbie
Installed Baer bumpsteer kit this weekend and Alston Frame Connectors. Looks like I have about 4" of ground clearance with the Alston's at their lowest point (with the Hotchkis springs).
Car has spent it's life in upstate NY and last few years in Erie, PA before I took ownership. Per AutoCheck report, car looks to have been a demo model with 3,128 miles when first titled. Next title transfer was in '96 with 26,574. After that, mileage reports in at 43,928 in 2006 and whatever was on the title from guy I bought it from, 49,XXX in 2011? Anyway, looks like car was a daily driver first 5 years of it's life and it was never undercoated so underside doesn't show very well. On the plus side, nothing is hidden and all is still very solid. Over the summer I will plan to get under there with a wire brush and some black paint to finish it up some. Fortunately, no one will really ever see the under side anyway.
Re: Long time thirdgen'r, Convertible/Firebird Newbie
Good looking Bird! I'm looking forward to seeing how it turns out. Good choice on the LT1 style hood too, those look so much better than the LS1 style that everyone seems to go for.
I remember seeing a really set of 91-92 tails for sale at Carlisle a few years ago for $300. If I knew they'd be selling for $600+ a few years later I would have bought them as an investment.
Re: Long time thirdgen'r, Convertible/Firebird Newbie
I'm anxious to get the hood done and on but waiting for it to warm up some. Installed the firebird tailllights last weekend, definitely like them better than the 82-84 TA lights. Finally trailered it over to my brothers work Friday night and he did an alignment on it over the weekend. Got to drive it home Sunday, even had the top down.
Then my 3 yr old "helped" me wash it.
Re: Long time thirdgen'r, Convertible/Firebird Newbie
Been a while so here are a few updates. Nothing major. Have everything ready to install 6-speed, just need to find the time. I think my brother and I are going to take a full Saturday to knock it out at his work where we'll have access to a lift, trans jack, etc. I'm anxious to get it in!
We found out that the bump steer kit was much more involved than just installing, eyeing up spacers and then aligning. Proper installation requires removal of suspension, measuring various travel points of a-arm with a bump steer gauge and setting from there. I plan to add adjustable upper strut mounts and different steering box so we'll revisit then. In the meantime, we reinstalled stock outer tie rods and left it at that.
Did install Phantom fuel pressure and AEM wideband AFR gauges I had using an Autometer full length pillar pod. I used the t-top one and cut it down to fit. Was able to cut it a pinch shorter which keeps bottom gauge up off dash pad. Also, I used it in place of, instead of over, the stock pillar cover. Just had to transfer over that little piece of weather-stripping foam. Also installed white gauge faces to compliment the Phantoms.
Still haven’t done anything with the RamAir hood…hoping my buddy can get to it soon as I loathe the Bandit II scoop!
Installed the manual version of the Show-n-Go retractable license plate holder. MD troopers tend to be sticklers on having front tags properly displayed and I figured this was easier & cheaper than the hassle & fine. There is a MD bill waiting to be signed, however, allowing cars that come/came from the factory without provisions for a front tag to be exempt from requirement to have front tag displayed. Hopefully that gets passed as I’ll be having the two mounting holes in the nose filled whenever I repaint it and that’ll be that.
Installed Polk Audio 4x6’s & 6.5’s. Sound good but will benefit from the addition of an amplifier when I get around to it. Had to pull gauge panel out and cut part of dash behind it and heat & massage the duct work some to clear the driver’s side 4x6 magnet and had to make spacers to set the 6.5’s off the panel some so the outer edge of the woofer cone wouldn’t hit the panel. Neither were a big deal but did take what I thought would be a quick job and doubled the time involved.
Got a CoverCraft convertible interior cover for days when out and about and don’t want to keep putting the top up and down. Was made-to-order but fits nicely and is easy to put on/take off and will help save the interior from additional abuse.
Added a 14x3 Open Element and a pair of polished aluminum tall valve covers along with Made 4 You Smoothie plug wire separators and brackets that mount to cylinder head. Very clean install and keeps wires away from headers and off valve covers so looks nice. Also have AC system back together, just need to get it charged.
Re: Long time thirdgen'r, Convertible/Firebird Newbie
Underhood shot w/ tall aluminum valve covers, new wire routing and open element. Still waiting to get AC system charged, was delayed by 6-speed install (see next posts). The accumulator is new (nice and shiney) so spent a few minutes and cleaned up/polished the hardline along with the lines and fitting of the upper hose. Guess I'll need to do the serpentine brackets and alternator at some point. Looking at this pic, I also realize how dingy the washer & coolant tanks look...
Re: Long time thirdgen'r, Convertible/Firebird Newbie
T56 install is complete minus getting Dakota Digital box figured out. I tried wiring it inline with the buffer but thinking it may just be easier to bypass the buffer which I read a few posts about on here. Otherwise, all went well. Drives and shifts nicely. Drove it into work this morning in Baltmore, about 25 miles. Was able to take it easy heading out of my little town in the county, was able to get it up to about 85mph (had GPS with me to monitor speed) on I-795 and all was smooth (even used 6th gear for a moment) and did some stop and go in traffic when I got on the Baltimore Beltway.
Here's a few pics of install process and final product...
My brother helped me (in first pic) and we were able to do it at his work which was a huge help.
Re: Long time thirdgen'r, Convertible/Firebird Newbie
Shifter plate (need to update shift pattern with a 6-speed pattern) and trans crossmember. This actually interfered with the Alston frame connectors, something I hadn't thought about). We notched the crossmember some but it will need to be notched more to completely clear the connectors mounting brackets. To do this though, a fair amount has to come off crossmember which I was concerned would weaken the crossmember. Temp fix, we shimmed crossmember down and shimmed trans mount up so driveline remained unaffected. This winter, I'll modify the crossmember by completely notching around connectors and then reinforcing it with some angles. We just didn't have the time to get into all this last weekend during the swap.
Re: Long time thirdgen'r, Convertible/Firebird Newbie
Looks great! I would love a 'vert one of these days! If my Ls1 Iroc gets totalled somehow, I am swapping everything into a 'vert! Let me know how the cam works out!
Re: Long time thirdgen'r, Convertible/Firebird Newbie
No updates on the car itself other than enjoying it and participating in a few autocross events this summer. Have one more in October. Running in the SCCA CAM (Classic American Muscle) class but need to get a new set of tires if I want to compete for points next season (CAM requires min 200 UTA rating and the Somotumo's I'm running are only 160). Here are a few pics from the June event at FedEx Field (Redskin's stadium) in DC.
Re: Long time thirdgen'r, Convertible/Firebird Newbie
Was bored the other weekend so I installed the Boss 338's I had on my '70 Skylark before I put it into storage (sorry, didn't realize photos were so dark and we now have 2 feet of snow on the ground). They're 18x8 and 18x9.5. Tires are 245/45 and 275/40. While the taller tires work on a '70 A-body, they're too tall for a 3rd gen. Fronts actually rubbed when turning in and out of my driveway. Tires are junk take-offs anyway so I may look into running a set of 245/40 and 275/35s...have to get new tires for the other wheels first though for autocrossing.
Re: Long time thirdgen'r, Convertible/Firebird Newbie
Finally back out after winter hibernation...
Along with the rear LS1 rear disc upgrade, also added 3" studs and McGard lugs. Pricey but if the hold up as they should, then worth it! Completely redid rear and went from 4.10's to 3.73's. Hoping I can whined out 2nd gear a little more than I could with the 4.10's. I used Ed's Miller's pre-bent line kit and parking brake cables for the brake swap. Very easy swap!
Need to go back and mod the parking cable brackets though as they wouldn't work with my LCA relocation brackets. Back out in the sun. Also installed Jegs racing seats. For the price, figured I'd give them a try. So far so good.
11-05-2013, 01:24 PM
